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http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u...y/100_4294.jpg

Okay,
I though I had finally worked out all my issues and was just starting to trust the cat again. I was wrong. Recently I have noticed an occasional rough shift from I believe 3rd to 4th. It will do fine during the lower gear changes but when it goes into 4th it pauses a second, just enough to cause you to lean forward, and then it kicks into gear. It happens when your driving easy or when your gettin on it and also while in "S" mode.
Along with this symptom I also have a problem with reverse. When the car is cold(or cool) it works fine, but when I drive somewhere and go to back into a parking spot it takes a sec for it to engage and then it acts as if the brake is on just a little, It wont move at all without some throttle and it will stop smooth but quick like your appling brake pressure.
I searched on here for a while then got under it to find the pan a bit damp and a drip hanging on the shift linkage on the drivers side. (why is there two?)
I looked around online to find a pan gasket and came up with nothing also I checked Kragen and nothing there either.
I had a DTC pop up (dont remember the #)but it just showed one of the banks lean, but no trans issue.
I am planning to change the the pan gasket and flush from the cooler lines and refill (is mercon V still the recommended fluid) its a 1998.
I NEED HELP! Please. You have all been very helpful in the past and I really appreciate everything.

 

XJ ate-
Stop! The fluid is not Mercon.... Check the archives.

 

I havent started yet, I wanted to double check which fluid first. Thanks
Does anyone think an fluid change would save this thing or is a new trans in my future?

 

Any ideas? Anyone?

 

Its acting up more in different ways.

Symptom #1
When I start it in "P" it lunches forward a bit, not violently but enough for it to rock back and forth a bit afterwards.

Symptom #2
Also From "P" midway to "R" it will move forward as if in drive when shifted very slowly until you get to "R" then it will hold still again until gas is given and it will then move backwards slowly and stop quick as if the brakes have been applied gently.

Symptom #3
When shifted to "N" it will drive forward on its own and with no response to throttle input.

Symptom #4
When in "D" it will run great until the switch from 3rd to 4th where it lags a bit and seems to engage with a light bump. Downshifts are normal.

More info: When shifting manually in "S" mode the gears seem fine if selector is left in the "3" position and has all the power it ever had (no slippage noticed at any time except possibly the shift from 3rd to 4rd in "S" mode or regular.

I really need suggestions here because it seems like I may have a selector position issue instead of a bad tranny. Again the car is a 1998 XJ8 with 115,000 on it.
I'm embarrassed to admit I am still driving the car daily and using it for work travel locally, but my family has a busy schedule and we cant go without it nor can we afford a new or rental right now.
Thanks again in advance for the help.

 

sounds like a question for JTO or Ken maybe...anyone else got any ideas?

 

Well its gone now. barely moves in forward and I heard a pretty big THUNK under neath as I tried to limp it home. Its been nice chattin with you all.

 

sounds like a trans,if you wish to top off the fluid it uses esso lt 71141 get it online just google it,its 60+ from the dealer or about $20 online,you need to add the fluid at a specific temp its stamped on the pan

 

i saw the temp on the pan when i was under it. Thanks for the info.